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Podtalk

Podtalk

By: Craig Constantine
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 Hello, I'm Craig Constantine. This is Podtalk. Short conversations with indie podcasters that are not just about podcasting, because I like to take the scenic route. In each episode, I talk with indie podcasters about their shows, experiences, what they've learned, what motivates them, and… well, everything related to podcasting from the indie creator's point of view. I hope these episodes spark ideas and conversations for you, and lead to new ways of looking at this wonderful art of podcasting.2025 UmbrellaCAST LLC Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Engagement with Vince Quinn

    Engagement with Vince Quinn
    May 20 2025
    What does it really mean to be an effective podcast host? Good podcasts succeed by focusing on engagement, not biography. "[…] everybody loves podcasting and talks about their podcast constantly, and yet never talks about hosting— how can I be a better host?" ~ Vince Quinn (2:00) This conversation with Vince Quinn focuses on the role of hosting in podcasting, emphasizing that many podcasters neglect to develop hosting as a craft. The discussion contrasts how people obsess over gear or downloads but rarely consider how to become better hosts. A strong host is seen as fundamental to a good show—someone who prepares, guides the conversation, and stays aware of pacing, clarity, and energy. The act of listening back to one's own show is framed as a vital method of improving, not just through passive review but through strategic reflection on structure, tone, and listener engagement. Vince and Craig also discuss common pet peeves in podcasting, such as hosts who aren't prepared or who rely on generic question lists. They stress that shows should begin with engaging topics, not guest biographies, and that silence and space are useful tools for dynamic audio. Another significant topic is the use of LinkedIn and other platforms not just for promotion but for building real, reciprocal connections. The conversation closes with reflections on using podcasts as core drivers of content strategy for small businesses, suggesting that most podcasters follow flawed blueprints and should instead focus on clarity of purpose and realistic goals. Takeaways Hosting as the core skill — Hosting is the defining feature of a podcast and is rarely given the attention it deserves. Listening back with purpose — Reviewing episodes is essential for improvement, especially when done with detachment and intention. Preparation makes a difference — Being prepared with guest-specific context creates a better experience for both guest and audience. Avoiding biography overload — Starting episodes with long guest bios wastes listener attention and can be a major turnoff. Letting guests lead — Asking neutral, open-ended questions enables guests to share authentic experiences without emotional projection. Using space intentionally — Strategic use of silence can enhance tension, rhythm, and storytelling in audio. Engaging social media mindfully — LinkedIn and other platforms can be used effectively to build strategic business relationships. Avoiding generic questions — Personalized, thoughtful prompts are more engaging than standard interview scripts. Choosing the right content blueprint — Most podcasters imitate high-profile shows without realistic alignment to their own goals. Using podcasting for business — Podcasts can drive content strategy, relationship-building, and lead generation for service-based businesses. Maximizing limited resources — Bootstrapped creators can use a podcast to generate multi-purpose content across platforms efficiently. Clarity of purpose — Defining success and setting short-term goals are crucial for keeping podcast production focused and meaningful. Resources SBX Productions — Vince Quinn's business providing podcast production services. Vince's free 30-minute consultations — To help creators improve their shows. Vince on LinkedIn It's Not "Just Talking" — Vince's podcast (Written with help from Chat-GPT.) --- Hello👋 I'm Craig Constantine. This is Podtalk. Short conversations with indie podcasters that are not just about podcasting, because I like to take the scenic route. In each episode, I talk with podcasters about their shows, experiences, what they've learned, what motivates them, and… well, pretty much everything related to podcasting from the indie creator's point of view. I hope these episodes spark ideas and conversations for you, and lead to new ways of looking at this wonderful art of podcasting. If you like Podtalk, you'll love the Podcaster Community, https://podcaster.community/ I appreciate your time and attention, and I don't take it for granted. --- Thank you! My mission is creating better conversations to spread understanding and compassion. This podcast is just one of the things I do in service of my mission. Drop by my website https://craigconstantine.com/ for my weekly email, my other podcasts, writing and more. https://ko-fi.com/craigconstantine — If you like what I’m doing, please support me via Ko-Fi. (I like Ko-Fi because they don’t take a slice from the money you contribute.) ɕ
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    46 mins
  • Interactive with Jeff Revilla

    Interactive with Jeff Revilla
    May 16 2025
    What happens when podcasters leave the safety of their studios to record in front of a live audience? A physical space changes how podcasters, guests, and audiences engage with the medium. "You could actually just get out of your comfort zone, do this thing that you do in your house— do it live at a park and just see what happens." ~ Jeff Revilla (33:02) This conversation with Jeff Revilla centers on the creation and impact of a physical podcasting theater, which offers independent podcasters the opportunity to record in front of live audiences. We explore how the controlled, familiar environment of home studios contrasts with the dynamic, unpredictable energy of live performance. The discussion covers how live podcasting challenges hosts to let go of production control and embrace spontaneity, leading to new experiences both for them and their listeners. The logistics of creating the theater space are discussed in detail, including sourcing materials on a budget and designing the space to be flexible and immersive. The benefits of such live recordings are explored from multiple angles: audience feedback, performance energy, and personal growth for podcasters. The conversation also touches on the potential for this model to spread to other cities, encouraging podcasters to seek out or create similar spaces using resources like parks, coffee shops, and libraries. Takeaways Getting out of the studio — Shifting from a home setup to a live environment introduces discomfort but creates richer experiences. Designing live podcast spaces — Flexible theater design enables immersive, close-range audience experiences with podcast creators. Building on DIY culture — The physical space is assembled with minimal cost and creativity, reflecting a do-it-yourself mindset. Live audience engagement — Audience reactions offer immediate feedback and energy, unlike the delayed response of online downloads. Performance dynamics — Mistakes are part of the experience, and audiences are generally more forgiving than podcasters expect. Hosting in person — Podcasters experience personal and creative transformation by stepping into a live setting. Reimagining podcast venues — Parks, libraries, and coffee shops can serve as accessible, low-cost venues for live podcasting. Community activation — Live events create tangible moments that draw friends and family into direct support roles. Local expansion — There's a growing opportunity for similar spaces in other towns, creating regional performance circuits. Monologue vs. conversation — Structured content often falls flat in a live setting; spontaneous conversation resonates more. Hybrid event strategy — Combining livestreams with in-person seating balances reach and intimacy. Emerging infrastructure — Mid-sized live venues can help prepare independent podcasters to scale toward larger performances. Resources Poduty — The dedicated podcast theater space created and operated for live in-person podcasting. My Guest Tonight — Jeff Revilla's podcast. Poduty Live 2025 — The two-day live podcasting festival planned for the last weekend in September, streamed and staged in-person. International Podcast Day — An annual celebration of podcasting referenced as part of the event timing. Indie Pods United — An earlier initiative mentioned in connection with previous live streaming events. (No public web site, but has a presence on various social platforms.) Todd Glass — A comedian whose ideas on theater design helped influence the speaker’s stage setup. Marketing Over Coffee — A podcast noted for being recorded in coffee shops. (Written with help from Chat-GPT.) --- Hello👋 I'm Craig Constantine. This is Podtalk. Short conversations with indie podcasters that are not just about podcasting, because I like to take the scenic route. In each episode, I talk with podcasters about their shows, experiences, what they've learned, what motivates them, and… well, pretty much everything related to podcasting from the indie creator's point of view. I hope these episodes spark ideas and conversations for you, and lead to new ways of looking at this wonderful art of podcasting. If you like Podtalk, you'll love the Podcaster Community, https://podcaster.community/ I appreciate your time and attention, and I don't take it for granted. --- Thank you! My mission is creating better conversations to spread understanding and compassion. This podcast is just one of the things I do in service of my mission. Drop by my website https://craigconstantine.com/ for my weekly email, my other podcasts, writing and more. https://ko-fi.com/craigconstantine — If you like what I’m doing, please support me via Ko-Fi. (I like Ko-Fi because they don’t take a slice from the money you contribute.) ɕ
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    40 mins
  • Momentum with Robin Waite

    Momentum with Robin Waite
    May 5 2025
    How can podcasters build meaningful relationships that expand their reach, create new opportunities, and grow their shows—without relying on promotion or algorithms? A five-step method helps you land dream collaborations by being helpful, not pushy. [One little shift?] "That's it. If I hadn't have gone to that event, if I hadn't have just dumped my coat and helped direct people, if I hadn't offered to help for free, if I hadn't got to know the team, if I hadn't, if I'd asked for the wrong thing or too much or too, I don't know if I'd got the ask wrong, any one of those things could have ended up being like a Sliding Doors [the 1998 film -ed] moment where I then I go from 3000 leads to just going about my life as a coach." ~ Robin Waite (15:00) Robin Waite shares how he reinvented his business growth strategy by focusing on building partnerships rather than following conventional marketing playbooks. Feeling burnt out by social media and traditional outreach, he adopted an “outside-in” approach—intentionally targeting people he admired, getting in the same room with them, and offering help without expectation. His approach centers on showing up, adding value, and making intentional asks that are aligned with what others actually need. He illustrates this with a detailed story of how he ended up as a guest on Ali Abdaal’s Deep Dive podcast, which generated over 3,000 leads and $300,000 in business. Key elements included making himself useful at events, building relationships with team members, and being ready with a modest but well-timed ask. Waite expands on this philosophy by identifying five steps: be intentional, get in the room, be helpful, find the inside person, and offer something on a silver platter. The conversation underscores the power of authentic connection, strategic generosity, and long-term thinking in business development. Takeaways Intentional targeting of collaborators — Write down a list of specific individuals or brands that feel like a natural fit for connection and mutual value. Be physically present and engaged — Attend events in person, sit in the front row, and look for ways to directly interact with people you admire. Generosity without expectation — Offer help freely without asking for anything in return, and allow opportunities to arise organically. Use social cues to create asks — Make requests that are context-aware, modest, and well-timed based on what you’ve learned about the other person's situation. Relationship-building is long-term — Partnerships can take months or even years to develop, and consistent presence matters more than speed. Imposter syndrome is common — Many successful people share similar doubts and insecurities, making them more approachable than they appear. Ask through value — Frame your request as a contribution or offer rather than a favor, focusing on what the other person would gain. The power of introductions — Introducing others who might benefit from knowing each other is a high-leverage, generous act that strengthens your own relationships. Reciprocity as rocket fuel — Gifts, paid gestures, or generous actions can accelerate connection when done thoughtfully and in alignment with mutual respect. Avoid transactional thinking — Relationships thrive on genuine interest and value-sharing, not on immediate or one-sided exchanges. Resources Take Your Shot – Free Book Offer — Robin Waite’s book, offered for free (worldwide shipping) to podcast listeners. Fearless Business Podcast — Robin Waite’s own podcast, combining solo and guest episodes on business topics. Robin Waite’s YouTube Channel — Features practical, high-level content on entrepreneurship and coaching. Ali Abdaal's Deep Dive Podcast — The podcast where Robin Waite was featured, which led to 3,000 inquiries and $300k in business. Simon Alexander Ong — Coach and speaker cited as a role model for being intentional and abundant. (Written with help from Chat-GPT.) --- Hello👋 I'm Craig Constantine. This is Podtalk. Short conversations with indie podcasters that are not just about podcasting, because I like to take the scenic route. In each episode, I talk with podcasters about their shows, experiences, what they've learned, what motivates them, and… well, pretty much everything related to podcasting from the indie creator's point of view. I hope these episodes spark ideas and conversations for you, and lead to new ways of looking at this wonderful art of podcasting. If you like Podtalk, you'll love the Podcaster Community, https://podcaster.community/ I appreciate your time and attention, and I don't take it for granted. --- Thank you! My mission is creating better conversations to spread understanding and compassion. This podcast is just one of the things I do in service of my mission. Drop by my website https://craigconstantine.com/ for my weekly email, my other podcasts, writing and more. https://ko-fi.com/craigconstantine — If ...
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    39 mins
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